Noon to Noon run 166nm - wow, new record! Last night was really rough with 40kt winds. The forecast is favourable, so the are turning slightly and heading straight for Bay of Islands. At this rate, Nick and Gary will arrive well ahead of schedule (although probably exhausted from the rough sail). They've got plenty of fuel in reserve, so as the winds ease near New Zealand they'll probably have a slow motor. Both households miss the guys and want them home safely soon.

Noon to Noon run another 159nm day. Too bad it is so rough because they are making very good progress. The seas and winds are still pretty big and out of the East, so the sailing is pretty rolly. The seasickness is better, but they are looking forward to calmer winds as the head South towards New Zealand.

Gary says that it is fast, but very rough (although it is getting a bit better). Normally the guys are pretty immune to seasickness, but Nick has been sick and even Gary is feeling a bit queasy. Let's hope that the winds ease a bit so the guys can get some rest. We want them to come home fast, but safely and having a pleasant journey.

Gary and Nick left Fiji at first light this morning. The weather forecast predicted perfect conditions for the passage. Unfortunately, it hasn't been quite as expected. Gary texted at noon today, "Very rough 30kt winds. 10ft swell beating straight south. Hoping it will ease tonight." It sounds like our last sail from Suva to Nadi. It seems to always be a bit rough south of Viti Levu. Hopefully as they leave the islands the conditions will improve. Good thing both Gary and Nick love a good sail :-).

Gary and Nick are doing final boat preparations (which I understand includes drinking duty-free gin in the cockpit). They are stocking up on provisions, fuel, water, and propane for the 10-14 day passage. Usually boats must clear from an official Fijian port before departure, but today customs, immigration, agriculture, and health officials are scheduled to arrive from Lautoka so boats can clear Fijian waters from Musket Cove. There are about a dozen yachties leaving the resort before cyclone season destined for New Zealand, Australia, and other safe harbours. Selkie will be doing a daily SSB radio check-in with Tracen J, another boat heading for Opua, NZ. Fair winds to all.

Gary and Nick had a fantastic sail from Vuda Point Marina on Viti Levu to Musket Cove on Malololailai island. They plan to leave with several other yachties bound for New Zealand and Australia on Thursday.

Fa and kids, hope you had fun flying and good luck to Hank and crew on Selkie. We saw the boat back in MCmarina today when Allen was assisting a cat hauling out there, kinda sketchy! Thanks again for the charts!